 Join and our Climate Justice team and Activist San Diego for a special documentary screening of Saving Walden’s World, followed by a community gathering exploring sustainability, global equity, and social change.
Event Details
About the Film When a young arms dealer realizes the devastating impact of his work on vulnerable communities, an ethical crisis sparks a lifelong quest for redemption. Saving Walden’s World traces director Jim Merkel’s journey as he raises his son, Walden, on an off-grid homestead and sets out to answer a vital question: Could the very societies targeted by his former industry hold the key to a sustainable planet? The film travels to societies in Kerala (India), Cuba, and Slovenia, where powerful women are reshaping society to prioritize human well-being. Far from wealthy utopias, these regions offer access to free college education, universal healthcare, dental care, maternity leave, and childcare—essential services that remain out of reach for many in blue-collar America. In a world facing soaring global temperatures, Saving Walden's World offers an inspiring, practical vision for living sustainably on a finite planet. About the Director Jim Merkel is an engineer, filmmaker, and environmental activist. His work on this documentary stems from his foundational book, Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth, and his previous film collaboration, Radically Simple. Venue & Accessibility The screening will be hosted in Bard Hall at the First Unitarian Universalist Church in Hillcrest.
How to Attend Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your seat and receive event updates.
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 Join the Laila Ibrahim Book Club for a special evening as we welcome author Laila Ibrahim for a live, interactive discussion on her acclaimed novel, Scarlet Carnation.
Event Details
About the Book Set in 1915 in the San Francisco Bay Area against the backdrop of World War I, racial tension, and shifting social norms, Scarlet Carnation continues the sweeping intergenerational saga begun in Ibrahim's bestselling Yellow Crocus. The story follows two extended family members, May and Naomi, whose grandmothers’ lives were inextricably bound on a Virginia plantation before the Civil War:
Symbolized by the scarlet carnations worn to honor living mothers during wartime, the novel explores motherly love, systemic injustice, courage, and the powerful ties that keep families connected through generations. Why Attend? Having the author join us live offers a unique, rare opportunity to dive deep into her writing process, historical research, character development, and the overarching themes of justice and resilience present across her novels. Whether you have read all of Ibrahim's works or are picking up Scarlet Carnation for the first time, all are welcome to attend and participate in the Q&A.  The Palestine-Israel Justice Group and the Racialized Identities Awareness (RIA) Book Group are coming together for another collaborative book discussion on Friday, October 23rd, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Our featured selection for this gathering is Nathan Thrall’s powerful, Pulitzer Prize–winning work, A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy. Event Details
About the Book When a field trip bus carrying Palestinian kindergarteners collides with a trailer truck outside Jerusalem, five-year-old Milad Salama is among the missing children. His father, Abed, sets out into the rain to find him—only to encounter an intricate maze of physical walls, security checkpoints, military bureaucracy, and permit restrictions that impede every step of his desperate search. Nathan Thrall expands this tragic morning into an unforgettable portrait of daily life in the West Bank and Jerusalem. By weaving together the interconnected lives of Palestinians and Israelis involved in or responding to the accident, the book illuminates the human weight of systemic inequality, segregated infrastructure, and contested identities. Why Join the Discussion? This joint gathering offers a welcoming, reflective space to explore the deep intersections of identity, justice, state structures, and human dignity highlighted throughout the book. Whether you have read the entire book or are mid-way through, your perspective and insights are welcome. How to Attend: You can join us in person in at First UU or connect virtually from home. We will share zom links prior to the meeting. Contact Louise Titlow for more details ([email protected]). Mark your calendar and bring a friend—we look forward to a thoughtful evening of shared learning and meaningful dialogue.  Join the Gang!
The South Bay Food Pantry is First UU’s largest social-justice project, and yes, it’s always hopping. Volunteers from First UU and the community make our large distribution happen every Saturday. About 550 families get about 15 lbs of groceries each -- good stuff like fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs, and pantry staples. (Here's the math: that's 8250 lbs / week.) What’s Changed?
What Hasn’t Changed?
What Does a Pantry Need? You. (Even Just Occasionally!)Running a food pantry doesn't take a lot of money, but it does take time. Rescuing food from supermarkets is especially labor-intensive -- it's wonderfully free & otherwise destined for a landfill, but needs to be sorted & picked through for suitability. The pantry is powered by small, close-knit volunteer crews. Each crew acts as its own mini-community: planning, scheduling, laboring, discussing and goofing-off along the way. Because our workflows are built on flexible rotations, you don't need to make a heavy weekly commitment to help. Here is how flexible it can be:
Our Greatest Needs this Fall We are currently looking for volunteers to fill a few specific roles as we head into autumn:
What do you think? Time to check us out? Let us know at [email protected]. In Pantryhood, –deirdre Deirdre Lonergan An Organizer of Things South Bay Food Pantry  As many of you know, our congregation has officially launched our 2026 UU the Vote campaign—a nonpartisan, faith-grounded effort dedicated to reaching infrequent Black voters across key swing states.
Midterm election cycles often see a noticeable dip in voter turnout. Too often, voters are bombarded with cynical narratives suggesting their participation doesn't make a difference. But we know better. Fighting back against voter apathy is as simple as sending a heartfelt reminder to eligible voters that their vote, their perspective, and their voice truly matter. 1,100 Postcards and Counting! Thanks to the dedication of our community, our congregation has already completed 1,100 postcards that will hit mailboxes this October! Every single card represents a personal connection and an invitation to participate in our democracy. How You Can Get Involved Today Whether you have five minutes after service or want to take a stack home for the week, there are two easy ways to participate:
Thank you to everyone who has written, organized, and supported this initiative. Together, we are building power, strengthening democracy, and helping mobilize voters for election day on November 3rd!  Join the Racialized Identities Awareness (RIA) Book Group on Friday, October 2nd, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM as we come together to discuss Jesmyn Ward’s acclaimed novel, Sing, Unburied, Sing (2017).
We offer a hybrid format so everyone can participate: meet us in Room 321 or join online. About the Book In Jesmyn Ward’s powerful novel—her first following the National Book Award–winning Salvage the Bones—one of contemporary literature's most singular voices reimagines the archetypal American road novel for the rural twenty-first century. Drawing rich inspiration from Toni Morrison, William Faulkner, The Odyssey, and the Old Testament, Ward weaves an epochal journey through Mississippi’s past and present. The result is both an intimate portrait of a family navigating grief and love, and a sweeping, epic tale of hope, history, and struggle. Universal in scope and universally lauded, Sing, Unburied, Sing showcases a major American writer at the height of her creative powers. Event Details
 Join SD Coalition for Reproductive Justice for an evening centered on reproductive justice—all accompanied by delicious, free falafel!
This special event offers a powerful space for community, deep conversation, and meaningful connection. The evening will begin with a short documentary screening focused on reproductive justice, followed by breakout group discussions. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow community members, share perspectives, and build collective strength around reproductive freedom. Event Details
Event Highlights
All proceeds from the evening will go directly to Espacio Migrante, a transborder community organization based in San Diego and Tijuana that works tirelessly with migrant communities to guarantee access to fundamental human rights. Get Your Tickets Today Tickets are on sale now and going fast! Secure your spot by clicking the Buy Your Tickets link below. Additional event details and venue directions can be found on our Eventbrite page. BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE We can’t wait to see you there and build community together! |
(619) 298-9978
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103 | South Bay campus: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
We have two campuses:
Hillcrest campus: 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA. 92103 | South Bay campus: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 760 1st Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
For detailed directions, parking and more see our Contact page.
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